First planted with tea in 1903, the majority of Kenya’s tea gardens are clustered on the slopes of the Great Rift Valley, a vast geological formation created by a powerful volcanic eruption many thousands of years ago. The valley cuts the country lengthwise and is one of Africa’s most lush corners. Within the valley some 22% of the tea world’s export supply is grown, roughly 349,000 tons of finished tea per year.  The bulk of production (at least 95%!) has traditionally been CTC manufacture (Cut Tear Curl) but recent innovations by Kenyan manufacturers has seen the development of some spectacular teas never before seen in the country. In a country that produces such vast quantities of tea, Silverback is a true rarity.